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War Surf Asks Questions

SF author M.M. Buckner, whose novel War Surf has been nominated for the Philip K. Dick Award, told SCI FI Wire that she loves the book's cover, but understands it may mislead the reader. The cover shows a character that resembles Neo from the Matrix movies, with a little Terminator thrown in. "I guess that illustration might lead you to expect battles and cool weaponry, but War Surf is more about characters reacting together," she said in an interview. "Though there's a lot of action, overall it's a quieter book than the cover suggests."

War Surf poses questions about mortality, what are the rights of the next generation and how much, if any, should the current generation sacrifice for future generations, Buckner said. "I also wanted to investigate what it feels like to face the end of life: not suddenly, as in a battle, but through the slow process of aging," she said. "I wanted to think about how this end stage alters a person's outlook. We cling so tightly to our lives. What will it feel like when we have to let go? Honestly, don't we all wonder about that?"

War Surf, which was released last August, follows Nasir Deepra, a senior corporate executive bored with his life, who, along with several other like-minded friends, seeks fun by dropping into wars and having the adventures broadcast on the Internet. When he falls in love with the inexperienced Sheeba, the adventures turn disastrous, the ratings nosedive and the team considers a dramatic next move. Nasir objects to the choice because he knows the secrets that he has kept for two centuries will be revealed.

This is Buckner's second Dick nomination. She previously received one for Hyperthought in 2003. The award is named for the prolific SF writer and recognizes distinguished science fiction published originally in paperback form in the United States. First prize and any special citations will be announced April 14 at Norwescon 29 in Seattle.